You’ve been feeling lousy lately, and you thought you might have the flu. Your doctor, however, believes that it could be Lyme disease. What kinds of tests will you have to undergo to find out? If it is Lyme disease, what can you do to get rid of it?
Diagnosis
According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common initial test for Lyme disease is the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, or ELISA, test. It is a blood test that can detect antibodies to the bacteria that cause the disease. Because the ELISA test often yields false-positive results, a western blot test is done to confirm these results. Your doctor may also administer a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test, in which fluid is drawn from an infected joint to check for bacterial DNA.
The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that when the infection has progressed, you may undergo the following tests:
- Electrocardiogram;
- Echocardiogram to look at the heart;
- Spinal tap, or lumbar puncture, to examine spinal fluid; and
- MRI of the brain.
Treatment
- Anyone bitten by a tick should be closely monitored for a minimum of 30 days.
- The person may receive a single dose of antibiotics within 72 hours of being bitten by a tick.
- Anyone who is diagnosed with Lyme disease in Kentucky will receive a two- to four-week course of antibiotics.
- Pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, may be taken for joint stiffness.
If you have Lyme disease that was misdiagnosed in Kentucky or was not discovered despite a medical examination, contact the Louisville medical malpractice attorneys at Gray and White Law. Call us at 502-210-8942 or toll free at 888-450-4456 and set up a FREE, no-obligation consultation.